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A Heart So Haunted
In this evocative and stunning debut, secrets in the very bones of Harthwait House are disturbed when a new tenant moves in, for fans of Ashley Poston and A House with Good Bones.
Be wary the beds and the space beneath,
the cracks in the floors and the furnace teeth.
Keep your eyes from the shadows and tongue so still.
Because once Harthwait grows dark, the monsters become real.
Landry is ready to clean house—not just Harthwait, but the traumatic memories and family entanglements that haunt her. Left reeling from her aunt’s sudden death, Landry knows she has to restore the old house and sell it for much needed cash. Preferably, before autumn arrives. But as renovations begin on Harthwait, she notices some motion sensors activate when no one is home, doors slam shut, and every night, at a quarter after midnight, the disembodied crying begins. Then, when she uncovers a hidden door during the renovations, she dares to open it.
Behind the door is a world of nightmares, some of which are hers, while others belong to a monster—who is trapped inside and desperate to get out. Both haunted by their pasts, Landry makes a deal with the monster, but as they develop feelings for each other, she realizes that the thing that looks like a beast may not be the most beastly thing after all.
This rich and spellbinding tale explores the idea of what we call home and who we call family.
Be wary the beds and the space beneath,
the cracks in the floors and the furnace teeth.
Keep your eyes from the shadows and tongue so still.
Because once Harthwait grows dark, the monsters become real.
Landry is ready to clean house—not just Harthwait, but the traumatic memories and family entanglements that haunt her. Left reeling from her aunt’s sudden death, Landry knows she has to restore the old house and sell it for much needed cash. Preferably, before autumn arrives. But as renovations begin on Harthwait, she notices some motion sensors activate when no one is home, doors slam shut, and every night, at a quarter after midnight, the disembodied crying begins. Then, when she uncovers a hidden door during the renovations, she dares to open it.
Behind the door is a world of nightmares, some of which are hers, while others belong to a monster—who is trapped inside and desperate to get out. Both haunted by their pasts, Landry makes a deal with the monster, but as they develop feelings for each other, she realizes that the thing that looks like a beast may not be the most beastly thing after all.
This rich and spellbinding tale explores the idea of what we call home and who we call family.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2025
About the author
Hollie Nelson
3 books34 followersHollie Nelson loves gothic horror almost as much as she loves coffee. When she’s not talking to the monsters in her closet, you can usually find her writing or at the gym. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband and their clowder of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
When her aunt died, Landry is left her aunt’s home and belongings. She plans to renovate, sell, and get back to her life. But things don’t go as planned. Past trauma comes a knocking and there’s something wrong with the house. A quick and easy read, but it wasn’t my favorite. I feel like nothing really happened until the last 1/3 of the book and then it was just over. I expected it to be more haunted, more of a love story, more drama.
When her aunt died, Landry is left her aunt’s home and belongings. She plans to renovate, sell, and get back to her life. But things don’t go as planned. Past trauma comes a knocking and there’s something wrong with the house. A quick and easy read, but it wasn’t my favorite. I feel like nothing really happened until the last 1/3 of the book and then it was just over. I expected it to be more haunted, more of a love story, more drama.
September 3, 2025
The synopsis was giving dark romance, but the story itself just felt way too drawn out and dull.
Would’ve loved this idea if it was developed in a different way. The characters were hard for me to like, I wish that they were less frustrating/pity party-ish.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Alcove Press for a copy!
Would’ve loved this idea if it was developed in a different way. The characters were hard for me to like, I wish that they were less frustrating/pity party-ish.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Alcove Press for a copy!
Want to Read
May 4, 2025The fanart gave me butterflies 😮💨😮💨😮💨
August 18, 2025
This is my first time reading something like this - more so a thriller, scary paranormal / trauma related story than anything. And wow, it did NOT disappoint one bit.
Landry, the fmc, has suffered. A lot. Her childhood was not the greatest, and she had horrible encounters through high school with her boyfriend at the time, both of which led to disordered eating throughout her life.
She takes in the home of her deceased aunt, only for it to be haunted. And this isn’t a typical haunting; it is so in depth, very different. No spoilers, but it’s good. A boy crying for his mom, a horned beast with claws, a creepy doorway to… something? Horrible scenes of past trauma not only for the boy, but for Lan herself.
This book had me captivated for a very, very long time. I was not ever bored. In fact, I was constantly yelling at it because some of the characters made me so angry for the fmc herself, and for the mmc as well. You ever wanna go to war for a character? Yea… I would.
Falling for a monster hiding under your bed? That’s one thing. But saving him? Doesn’t always end as planned.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove for allowing me this advanced copy!
Landry, the fmc, has suffered. A lot. Her childhood was not the greatest, and she had horrible encounters through high school with her boyfriend at the time, both of which led to disordered eating throughout her life.
She takes in the home of her deceased aunt, only for it to be haunted. And this isn’t a typical haunting; it is so in depth, very different. No spoilers, but it’s good. A boy crying for his mom, a horned beast with claws, a creepy doorway to… something? Horrible scenes of past trauma not only for the boy, but for Lan herself.
This book had me captivated for a very, very long time. I was not ever bored. In fact, I was constantly yelling at it because some of the characters made me so angry for the fmc herself, and for the mmc as well. You ever wanna go to war for a character? Yea… I would.
Falling for a monster hiding under your bed? That’s one thing. But saving him? Doesn’t always end as planned.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove for allowing me this advanced copy!
October 12, 2025
Hi all! Thank you for checking out A Heart So Haunted--as we get closer to release, I wanted to at least pop in really quick and show my appreciation for all reader support I've gotten thus far. I hope you enjoy Landry and Hadrian's story as much as I enjoyed writing it, and maybe, just maybe, it touches a little piece of your heart like it touched mine.
Until next time,
Hollie 💛
Until next time,
Hollie 💛
October 25, 2025
“Once Harthwait grows dark, the monsters become real.”
A Heart So Haunted paints a poignant picture of grief, both old and fresh, and the past wounds which fester if left untreated. And the romantic notion of finding a fellow lost soul to grow out of that pain with, even if he is a creature who lurks in a haunted home.
This story is haunting, a modern gothic with teeth that pierce through your heart and don’t let go. Drenched in themes of trauma and healing, this is a ghost story that wrenches and aches but also mends.
“Anger is a prerequisite to a lot of things. Think if it like a train station. You can head north, west, east— wherever you wish. All you need to remember is that there is a stop after that first one. And each will be different. You decide where you go.”
I appreciated how the romantic aspect to this book is told through healing; opening up and learning to trust another person again, even when that person is a creature of nightmares, hidden away in our main character’s newly inherited house. Landry is a compelling main character to follow, and her journey and relationships with her family members is messy while being a perfectly apt depiction of trauma and pain.
I can’t believe this beautiful gothic horror is a debut. Hollie Nelson is a fantastic writer and has officially been added to my auto-read list for anything else she comes up with!
*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an eARC from Alcove Press via NetGalley. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!
A Heart So Haunted paints a poignant picture of grief, both old and fresh, and the past wounds which fester if left untreated. And the romantic notion of finding a fellow lost soul to grow out of that pain with, even if he is a creature who lurks in a haunted home.
This story is haunting, a modern gothic with teeth that pierce through your heart and don’t let go. Drenched in themes of trauma and healing, this is a ghost story that wrenches and aches but also mends.
“Anger is a prerequisite to a lot of things. Think if it like a train station. You can head north, west, east— wherever you wish. All you need to remember is that there is a stop after that first one. And each will be different. You decide where you go.”
I appreciated how the romantic aspect to this book is told through healing; opening up and learning to trust another person again, even when that person is a creature of nightmares, hidden away in our main character’s newly inherited house. Landry is a compelling main character to follow, and her journey and relationships with her family members is messy while being a perfectly apt depiction of trauma and pain.
I can’t believe this beautiful gothic horror is a debut. Hollie Nelson is a fantastic writer and has officially been added to my auto-read list for anything else she comes up with!
*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an eARC from Alcove Press via NetGalley. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!
June 6, 2025
This is both adorable and haunting. We have traumatized characters, a house full of monsters in a world full of worse monsters, and a love that shouldn’t be but works magically.
Sometimes the “monsters” are the only ones who really understand the way that you feel, and in this case, the “monster” is the one that makes Landry feel heard and seen.
The reason for my three star review is because this book wasn’t really for me. It was cute yet haunting, and full of surprises, which was just enough to keep me entertained. However, it was not my favorite read of the year.
Thank you very much to Alcove Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes the “monsters” are the only ones who really understand the way that you feel, and in this case, the “monster” is the one that makes Landry feel heard and seen.
The reason for my three star review is because this book wasn’t really for me. It was cute yet haunting, and full of surprises, which was just enough to keep me entertained. However, it was not my favorite read of the year.
Thank you very much to Alcove Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2026
That's so cool, the way she didn't even try to make it make sense.
October 14, 2025
4.5 🌟
" Divine, he’d said. A visceral hunger lived inside of that single word.
A single thought: a starving man would eat anything to gain satiety." (Ch 19)
Haunting Paranormal Fiction / Psychological Thriller
" Keep your eyes from the shadows and tongue so still.
....
Because once Harthwait grows dark, the monsters become real." (Ch 2)
I thought this would be a dark paranormal romance, but started to doubt the romance part when there didn't appear to be a hint of any whatsoever within the first quarter. Then, a potential interest came to being a little later.
Landry wasn't as ok as she seemed, aside from the house that seemed to be as haunted as rumored. She put up a good front, but her need for some semblance of control controlled her and her actions. And the longer she stayed in that house, the less she seemed to have control over the things that were happening around her.
The house had disturbing secrets, and Landry was determined to root them out, but she didn't realize what she would be facing or stirring up. Things that would take her down a rabbit hole, whether she wanted to go down it or not.
" “You came back,” he crooned. A rumble, like a growl, vibrated from his throat.
I struggled to step back. .... I blinked away a sudden wash of fear, of angry, terrified tears. What had I done?
“Oh, dearest,” he breathed. “You shouldn’t have.”" (Ch 9)
Haunting story of a girl, her family and past, and a house... and the things that lurked in the walls and shadows. A psychological thriller, like being drug through past memories and through nightmares that you aren't sure whether are real or imagined. Gripping, entrancing, mysterious, and poignant. And heart-wrenching.
The last chapter — though appreciated — was unnecessary, in my opinion, as it didn't fit the direction the rest of the book took and kind of left a loose end or questions, at best. Maybe it would have been better to be included as a bonus alternate ending. Can't really elaborate as it would be a spoiler. I'll just pretend it ended at chapter 30, lol.
eARC courtesy of NetGalley/ Alcove Press
" Divine, he’d said. A visceral hunger lived inside of that single word.
A single thought: a starving man would eat anything to gain satiety." (Ch 19)
Haunting Paranormal Fiction / Psychological Thriller
" Keep your eyes from the shadows and tongue so still.
....
Because once Harthwait grows dark, the monsters become real." (Ch 2)
I thought this would be a dark paranormal romance, but started to doubt the romance part when there didn't appear to be a hint of any whatsoever within the first quarter. Then, a potential interest came to being a little later.
Landry wasn't as ok as she seemed, aside from the house that seemed to be as haunted as rumored. She put up a good front, but her need for some semblance of control controlled her and her actions. And the longer she stayed in that house, the less she seemed to have control over the things that were happening around her.
The house had disturbing secrets, and Landry was determined to root them out, but she didn't realize what she would be facing or stirring up. Things that would take her down a rabbit hole, whether she wanted to go down it or not.
" “You came back,” he crooned. A rumble, like a growl, vibrated from his throat.
I struggled to step back. .... I blinked away a sudden wash of fear, of angry, terrified tears. What had I done?
“Oh, dearest,” he breathed. “You shouldn’t have.”" (Ch 9)
Haunting story of a girl, her family and past, and a house... and the things that lurked in the walls and shadows. A psychological thriller, like being drug through past memories and through nightmares that you aren't sure whether are real or imagined. Gripping, entrancing, mysterious, and poignant. And heart-wrenching.
The last chapter — though appreciated — was unnecessary, in my opinion, as it didn't fit the direction the rest of the book took and kind of left a loose end or questions, at best. Maybe it would have been better to be included as a bonus alternate ending. Can't really elaborate as it would be a spoiler. I'll just pretend it ended at chapter 30, lol.
eARC courtesy of NetGalley/ Alcove Press
June 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
🖤Gothic Romance
💚Monster-ish Romance
💫Supernatural Elements
🏰Sentient Manor
👿Broody MMC
💔Painful Pasts
❤️🩹Comfort & Healing
❤️🔥Slow Burn
This will hit the spot for your modern gothic romance needs! Landry inherits her aunt's large estate and aims to renovate before selling. Little does she know that there's a door tucked away leading to a version of the house filled with memories past and a creature curiously linked to them. Hadrian, a yellow-eyed eloquent beast harbors a curse of sorts and Landry and he begin to bond and look for the secret to his freedom. Both these characters throughout the story begin to unlock pains of their past, some quite dark. But I the darkness, they find understanding, and for Landry especially, she finds healing with Hadrian's help.
The magic elements and rules of his condition, how this curse was enacted I did find confusing at times and/or had "holes". Though, I enjoyed the visuals immensely, particularly with the varying visages of his form. Landry and Hadrian's late night talks are some of my favorite pieces, real scenes with a beauty and beast-type learning about each other and opening up in a way the other never has. Hadrian being self aware and vulnerable of his form with her were especially heart clenching moments. Two broken, lonely souls that we truly root for.
Once I reached the end, I wished there was a bit more to the epilogue, felt it ended too fast and not much explanation. I really didn't want to leave them. Hadrian in particular was just that perfect t gothic romantic hero, he had faults, but also pain and transformation and I LOVED him. Very much anxious to read more from this debut author and highly reccomend this for modern gothic lovers.
🌶
🖤Gothic Romance
💚Monster-ish Romance
💫Supernatural Elements
🏰Sentient Manor
👿Broody MMC
💔Painful Pasts
❤️🩹Comfort & Healing
❤️🔥Slow Burn
This will hit the spot for your modern gothic romance needs! Landry inherits her aunt's large estate and aims to renovate before selling. Little does she know that there's a door tucked away leading to a version of the house filled with memories past and a creature curiously linked to them. Hadrian, a yellow-eyed eloquent beast harbors a curse of sorts and Landry and he begin to bond and look for the secret to his freedom. Both these characters throughout the story begin to unlock pains of their past, some quite dark. But I the darkness, they find understanding, and for Landry especially, she finds healing with Hadrian's help.
The magic elements and rules of his condition, how this curse was enacted I did find confusing at times and/or had "holes". Though, I enjoyed the visuals immensely, particularly with the varying visages of his form. Landry and Hadrian's late night talks are some of my favorite pieces, real scenes with a beauty and beast-type learning about each other and opening up in a way the other never has. Hadrian being self aware and vulnerable of his form with her were especially heart clenching moments. Two broken, lonely souls that we truly root for.
Once I reached the end, I wished there was a bit more to the epilogue, felt it ended too fast and not much explanation. I really didn't want to leave them. Hadrian in particular was just that perfect t gothic romantic hero, he had faults, but also pain and transformation and I LOVED him. Very much anxious to read more from this debut author and highly reccomend this for modern gothic lovers.
April 20, 2026
The bones were there for a great story and I felt like we were just about to get there and it would fall off.
She had many weird descriptions. Seemed like she was trying to be more lyrical but it just came out odd
She had many weird descriptions. Seemed like she was trying to be more lyrical but it just came out odd
October 18, 2025
As much as I want to love this, I just couldn't. I would say I was clickbaited on the sense that the synopsis is telling that this is gonna be some dark-ish or horror-ish paranormal romance. However, it wasn't like that.
It didn't come off as any horror/ paranormal in a kind to me. It's more of a dark-ish romance in execution. It was also really dragging, and I kept waiting and waiting for something 'bomb dropping'.
The characters were also unlikable. There were no significant qualities that made them stand out.
The first 20% something was intriguing enough, and it did kind of set up something but didn't really didn't live up to it or gave something. I really hope this was much more than that because the premise really sounds so good.
Thank you, author and publisher, for the e-arc via Edelweiss. 2⭐️
It didn't come off as any horror/ paranormal in a kind to me. It's more of a dark-ish romance in execution. It was also really dragging, and I kept waiting and waiting for something 'bomb dropping'.
The characters were also unlikable. There were no significant qualities that made them stand out.
The first 20% something was intriguing enough, and it did kind of set up something but didn't really didn't live up to it or gave something. I really hope this was much more than that because the premise really sounds so good.
Thank you, author and publisher, for the e-arc via Edelweiss. 2⭐️
November 7, 2025
I feel like this might go down as one of the most underrated books of the year!
I absolutely loved this book and people are sleeping on it!
It is so much more than a romance. It is a story of fierceness and the all out war of trying to reach self acceptance
In many ways, Landry‘s journey mirrors my own. I was raised by a mother, fighting a drug addiction, bad enough that I had to raise myself and my younger sisters, but not bad enough that the government stepped in and took us from her. We were raised with the fear of telling the truth, because if we told the truth, the police would take us away from her. We weren’t suppose to tell people what it was like at home, be afraid of cops.
For a little kid, any semblance of stability or knowing what to expect is usually worth keeping, right????
It’s a brutal tide, it sweeps away innocence, your idea of right and wrong, any semblance of understanding of what love means.
Even now at the ripe old age of 36, I only started talking about all this a few years ago.
The hardest part of having a difficult childhood is really accepting what happened and not carrying that burden yourself.
Landry has spent her life fighting her childhood and ironically it’s eating her alive. She starves herself, has for years, her body is a battleground, she hates every inch of it.
This book is the final battle.
I think people really expected this to be nothing but a spicy romance, but they got a deep emotional roller coaster with just as much brutal pain as love.
I really hope this turns into a series because I would love to see the romance progress and continue to see Landry really come into her own.
I absolutely loved this book and people are sleeping on it!
It is so much more than a romance. It is a story of fierceness and the all out war of trying to reach self acceptance
In many ways, Landry‘s journey mirrors my own. I was raised by a mother, fighting a drug addiction, bad enough that I had to raise myself and my younger sisters, but not bad enough that the government stepped in and took us from her. We were raised with the fear of telling the truth, because if we told the truth, the police would take us away from her. We weren’t suppose to tell people what it was like at home, be afraid of cops.
For a little kid, any semblance of stability or knowing what to expect is usually worth keeping, right????
It’s a brutal tide, it sweeps away innocence, your idea of right and wrong, any semblance of understanding of what love means.
Even now at the ripe old age of 36, I only started talking about all this a few years ago.
The hardest part of having a difficult childhood is really accepting what happened and not carrying that burden yourself.
Landry has spent her life fighting her childhood and ironically it’s eating her alive. She starves herself, has for years, her body is a battleground, she hates every inch of it.
This book is the final battle.
I think people really expected this to be nothing but a spicy romance, but they got a deep emotional roller coaster with just as much brutal pain as love.
I really hope this turns into a series because I would love to see the romance progress and continue to see Landry really come into her own.
July 29, 2025
First of all, Laudry is living my dream of inheriting an old house to renovate lol. Haunted or not! 😂
This book was super cute, it was a super quick and easy read. Very very slow burn, I barely felt the burn at all lol but it was still a fun read to knock out in one sitting.
Thank you to NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
This book was super cute, it was a super quick and easy read. Very very slow burn, I barely felt the burn at all lol but it was still a fun read to knock out in one sitting.
Thank you to NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
July 11, 2025
A captivating story! I read this in one sitting, as it was hard for me to set the book down. Parts of this book were equally frustrating as they were satisfying. I was really rooting for the heroine to succeed! A large part of this story is watching her learn to stand up for herself. It was refreshing to see her journey to see her earn confidence.
October 26, 2025
3.5
A Heart So Haunted is an exploration of how trauma can haunt us and a journey to seek healing and recuperation. I expected romance but instead welcomed a very personal journey of protagonist Landry who reconciles with her grief, confronts her lifetime of deeply hurting trauma, and find healing and love with the ghost that haunts the shadows of her newly inherited home.
This book is all about Landry. She is currently struggling to keep afloat, not willing to grab on to the lifelines her closest friend and sister throw out to her. She has experienced an abusive upbringing and an abusive relationship, leading to a lifetime of internal turmoil. Rather than name what has happened to her, she prefers to disappear it all from her mind. But it haunts her-- it's the true haunting of this tale-- and will do so until she acknowledges its presence. My heart broke for Landry so much, I wanted to scream alongside her, I wanted to become her voice, her strength, her protection. But this is her journey to reclaim all those things. Meeting the literal ghost of her house becomes the trigger to achieve just that.
I must admit, I expected the romance to play a major part in this tale. It was what initially attracted me to this work, but it's not on the forefront of this narrative. I felt Landry's the relationship with Hadrian was less about falling in love and more about a reflection of self, an encouragement for eventual betterment. It's the boost Landry needs to reconcile with her grief and acknowledge the pain that has presided her life. I wish I could have felt enamored with the romance, but it did not impact me the way I hoped. Nevertheless, the relationship with Hadrian is truly pivotal and life-changing for Landry. He understands her deeply, relating to her trauma as it reflect his own personal haunting. The support they lend one another is monumental in confronting their respective past.
While the romance may not have been a hit for me, Landry's personal journey was triumphant to witness. It's so poignantly written, you truly experience Landry confronting and acknowledge the abuse she has experienced, as well as the first steps needed to not only heal but to speak the words she's hidden even from herself.
Thank you Alcove Press and NetGalley for this arc, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
A Heart So Haunted is an exploration of how trauma can haunt us and a journey to seek healing and recuperation. I expected romance but instead welcomed a very personal journey of protagonist Landry who reconciles with her grief, confronts her lifetime of deeply hurting trauma, and find healing and love with the ghost that haunts the shadows of her newly inherited home.
This book is all about Landry. She is currently struggling to keep afloat, not willing to grab on to the lifelines her closest friend and sister throw out to her. She has experienced an abusive upbringing and an abusive relationship, leading to a lifetime of internal turmoil. Rather than name what has happened to her, she prefers to disappear it all from her mind. But it haunts her-- it's the true haunting of this tale-- and will do so until she acknowledges its presence. My heart broke for Landry so much, I wanted to scream alongside her, I wanted to become her voice, her strength, her protection. But this is her journey to reclaim all those things. Meeting the literal ghost of her house becomes the trigger to achieve just that.
I must admit, I expected the romance to play a major part in this tale. It was what initially attracted me to this work, but it's not on the forefront of this narrative. I felt Landry's the relationship with Hadrian was less about falling in love and more about a reflection of self, an encouragement for eventual betterment. It's the boost Landry needs to reconcile with her grief and acknowledge the pain that has presided her life. I wish I could have felt enamored with the romance, but it did not impact me the way I hoped. Nevertheless, the relationship with Hadrian is truly pivotal and life-changing for Landry. He understands her deeply, relating to her trauma as it reflect his own personal haunting. The support they lend one another is monumental in confronting their respective past.
While the romance may not have been a hit for me, Landry's personal journey was triumphant to witness. It's so poignantly written, you truly experience Landry confronting and acknowledge the abuse she has experienced, as well as the first steps needed to not only heal but to speak the words she's hidden even from herself.
Thank you Alcove Press and NetGalley for this arc, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
October 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and Ms. Nelson for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.
From the cover and the description I was expecting a romance/horror hybrid with a gothic flavor. The gothic element was present – a moldering historical house in (South?) Carolina Low Country with lights that go on by themselves and a strong paranormal vibe. The horror and the romance, though, were both a little too “lite” for me. I was really hoping for a stronger punch of horror especially. The story had all the bones for a really creepy and eerie suspenseful atmosphere, with the crying child and the boarded up secret doors and windows opening themselves and frightening isolated noises after dark. I felt a little disappointed that the horror elements were far more muted than I’d anticipated. I never really felt that Landry, the FMC, was all that disturbed or scared by the disturbances in the house.
Honestly, the bigger monsters seemed to be Carla, Landry’s mom, whose many years of emotional abuse and manipulation Landry clearly *desperately* needs extensive therapy for, and Ivan (same). Landry was unable to ever successfully assertively speak up for herself either in the past or in the present with either of them, and it was so painful to watch. Landry: get yourself some help. And do your friendships a favor and don’t look for therapy from your friends and family. Get an ACTUAL therapist.
Regarding the romance… It was okay. I was fine with Hadrian but I really wanted more of a dark or horror-ish romance and I felt like his progression was too straightlaced for the story I had in mind. Ultimately, I guess, with this cover, I was just hoping for more of a scare.
⭐⭐1/2 rounded up for GR
From the cover and the description I was expecting a romance/horror hybrid with a gothic flavor. The gothic element was present – a moldering historical house in (South?) Carolina Low Country with lights that go on by themselves and a strong paranormal vibe. The horror and the romance, though, were both a little too “lite” for me. I was really hoping for a stronger punch of horror especially. The story had all the bones for a really creepy and eerie suspenseful atmosphere, with the crying child and the boarded up secret doors and windows opening themselves and frightening isolated noises after dark. I felt a little disappointed that the horror elements were far more muted than I’d anticipated. I never really felt that Landry, the FMC, was all that disturbed or scared by the disturbances in the house.
Honestly, the bigger monsters seemed to be Carla, Landry’s mom, whose many years of emotional abuse and manipulation Landry clearly *desperately* needs extensive therapy for, and Ivan (same). Landry was unable to ever successfully assertively speak up for herself either in the past or in the present with either of them, and it was so painful to watch. Landry: get yourself some help. And do your friendships a favor and don’t look for therapy from your friends and family. Get an ACTUAL therapist.
Regarding the romance… It was okay. I was fine with Hadrian but I really wanted more of a dark or horror-ish romance and I felt like his progression was too straightlaced for the story I had in mind. Ultimately, I guess, with this cover, I was just hoping for more of a scare.
⭐⭐1/2 rounded up for GR
October 20, 2025
ARC Review of A Heart So Haunted by Hollie Nelson
* * * * *
Some broken things can't be fixed, but others can heal and let go.
A creepy estate, a monster in the shadows, trauma and romance blossoming in a dark house. Ladies and gentlemen, you have been served a delicious gothic monster romance.
Most people are excited when they inherite property from a dead relative...unless it is a super creepy house. As she plans to renovate and sell, things are proving to be a challenge.
The house was nothing short of ordinary.
Voices crying out.
Strange sounds sending a chill to her bones.
Terrifying dreams of a monster with yelow eyes and a terrifying smile.
A child lost in the house...haunting her dreams and days.
A door taking her to a place that should not have been discovered...but now leads her to both the child and the monster.
However, nothing is at all as it appears.
I was very eager to read this book when I came across the plot. It was indeed enjoyable, with moments where you were leaning forward eager to know what happens next. Other times it was smooth as you took in information on our MCs. You sense a chill from the start with the opening of Landry at the haunted estate, knowing there is already more to it. As Landry is envelope in the madness and terror she faces trying to save the sad little boy, she braves against the slithering creature who taunts her.
Little does she know she is in for a big surprise.
In her actions of watching what happens to Hadrian, she also faces her own memories of trauma, neglect, and abandonment. We discover the real monsters for both our MCs, and the consequences of actions.
* * * * *
Some broken things can't be fixed, but others can heal and let go.
A creepy estate, a monster in the shadows, trauma and romance blossoming in a dark house. Ladies and gentlemen, you have been served a delicious gothic monster romance.
Most people are excited when they inherite property from a dead relative...unless it is a super creepy house. As she plans to renovate and sell, things are proving to be a challenge.
The house was nothing short of ordinary.
Voices crying out.
Strange sounds sending a chill to her bones.
Terrifying dreams of a monster with yelow eyes and a terrifying smile.
A child lost in the house...haunting her dreams and days.
A door taking her to a place that should not have been discovered...but now leads her to both the child and the monster.
However, nothing is at all as it appears.
I was very eager to read this book when I came across the plot. It was indeed enjoyable, with moments where you were leaning forward eager to know what happens next. Other times it was smooth as you took in information on our MCs. You sense a chill from the start with the opening of Landry at the haunted estate, knowing there is already more to it. As Landry is envelope in the madness and terror she faces trying to save the sad little boy, she braves against the slithering creature who taunts her.
Little does she know she is in for a big surprise.
In her actions of watching what happens to Hadrian, she also faces her own memories of trauma, neglect, and abandonment. We discover the real monsters for both our MCs, and the consequences of actions.
June 16, 2025
My editorial review:
“As tender as it is razor-edged, A HEART SO HAUNTED shows us how home can be both a place beloved and a place filled with ghosts. Nelson's prose is evocative, atmospheric, and altogether consuming. Ultimately a story of hope, this debut will crawl beneath your skin and expose themes of grief, family trauma, and a reminder that the pain of others isn't always our burden to carry.”
“As tender as it is razor-edged, A HEART SO HAUNTED shows us how home can be both a place beloved and a place filled with ghosts. Nelson's prose is evocative, atmospheric, and altogether consuming. Ultimately a story of hope, this debut will crawl beneath your skin and expose themes of grief, family trauma, and a reminder that the pain of others isn't always our burden to carry.”
June 14, 2025
ARC Read: NetGallery / Alcove Press
The story revolves around a haunted house, a ghost named Hadrian, a human named Landry and a secret door just like Narnia. It was a slow read, with little happening until about 77%. So if you like those dragged out stories this one might be for you, just not me.
I wouldn’t even call this a romance. It was such a slow burn that I never really felt it.
The story revolves around a haunted house, a ghost named Hadrian, a human named Landry and a secret door just like Narnia. It was a slow read, with little happening until about 77%. So if you like those dragged out stories this one might be for you, just not me.
I wouldn’t even call this a romance. It was such a slow burn that I never really felt it.
June 25, 2025
"There is more than one way to injure a man's soul, dearest. And sometimes, it's more than what they deserve. It's what they need."
Finished this ARC last night and it was... heartbreaking and beautiful. It has raw emotions, angst, lots of anger and heartache... I enjoyed reading this haunting story a lot!
Finished this ARC last night and it was... heartbreaking and beautiful. It has raw emotions, angst, lots of anger and heartache... I enjoyed reading this haunting story a lot!
July 11, 2025
This really hit the spot for a moody, gothic romance. Landry inherits her aunt’s eerie old manor and finds a hidden door that leads to a version of the house filled with memories… and a cursed, yellow-eyed creature named Hadrian. He’s broody, thoughtful, and quietly vulnerable—and their slow burn connection was so lovely to watch unfold.
There’s a lot of darkness and past pain here, but also healing and comfort. Their late-night chats were my favourite parts—tender, honest, and beautifully written.
Some of the magical elements left me a little confused at times, but the atmosphere, the visuals, and the emotional depth made up for it. Definitely check the trigger warnings—it’s slow, haunting, and really heartfelt.
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
There’s a lot of darkness and past pain here, but also healing and comfort. Their late-night chats were my favourite parts—tender, honest, and beautifully written.
Some of the magical elements left me a little confused at times, but the atmosphere, the visuals, and the emotional depth made up for it. Definitely check the trigger warnings—it’s slow, haunting, and really heartfelt.
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
October 27, 2025
I have been procrastinating about reviewing this one because I REALLY don't know what to say... I enjoyed the book! But I guess I thought more things were going to be explained, and then they weren't, and it was just kind of left open.. I don't know. It was a fun enough time for a semi-spooky haunted house vibe, but if you don't like things unanswered, this book is not for you. LOL
June 19, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for their trust by sending me this ARC.
First thing first, I want to emphasize the importance of reading all the TW before diving into this book!
That being said, it was a slow read but so pleasant. My first thought starting this book was that it gave some Belladonna vibes, it's mysterious and a tiny bit scary (if you're not an horror fan, you can still read it), slow burn with gothic horror. At times, it keeps you on your toes.
I really liked that the main characters, both in their early 30's, dealt with broken families and more importantly heavy family matters. They beautifully helped each other on their healing journeys.
I also liked seeing the progression of the whole lack of dialogue storyline between Landry and her cousin, Emma.
I didn't know where most of the plot was going, I kinda guessed how it would end but I was helplessly hoping it was not the case.
Some details were a bit left out at some point and I feel like it wasn't exploited to their fullest, including the romance and horror tropes. There were some confusing moments as well: Hadrian's "looks" and the ending, which was rushed.
The last chapter should have been longer, I wanted to know more about the friendship between Landry, Emma and Sayer and about the family situation. But most of all, the last scene of the book needed more explanations, I didn't understand where the author was getting at. Like how and why did this happen? I desperately need to know!
First thing first, I want to emphasize the importance of reading all the TW before diving into this book!
That being said, it was a slow read but so pleasant. My first thought starting this book was that it gave some Belladonna vibes, it's mysterious and a tiny bit scary (if you're not an horror fan, you can still read it), slow burn with gothic horror. At times, it keeps you on your toes.
I really liked that the main characters, both in their early 30's, dealt with broken families and more importantly heavy family matters. They beautifully helped each other on their healing journeys.
I also liked seeing the progression of the whole lack of dialogue storyline between Landry and her cousin, Emma.
I didn't know where most of the plot was going, I kinda guessed how it would end but I was helplessly hoping it was not the case.
Some details were a bit left out at some point and I feel like it wasn't exploited to their fullest, including the romance and horror tropes. There were some confusing moments as well: Hadrian's "looks" and the ending, which was rushed.
The last chapter should have been longer, I wanted to know more about the friendship between Landry, Emma and Sayer and about the family situation. But most of all, the last scene of the book needed more explanations, I didn't understand where the author was getting at. Like how and why did this happen? I desperately need to know!
Want to Read
April 18, 2025
This reel
led me here 💘
October 20, 2025
A Heart So Haunted is a paranormal story with a haunted house and monsters from the past that need to be faced.
Landry has inherited her aunt's home. She has plans to sell it and be done with it. However, things are never that fast or ever so simple. She soon discovers a place within the house that is special and magical. Here she meets Hadrian. A beast like creature, and together, they embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and transformation.
Loved the Beauty and the Beast retelling vibes. I really enjoyed Landry and Hadrian's moments of vulnerability and how Hadrian really opened up his soul. They are both there to save and heal each other. But first, they must clear their heart and be open to new beginnings.
Thank you, Netgalley and Alcove Press, for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Landry has inherited her aunt's home. She has plans to sell it and be done with it. However, things are never that fast or ever so simple. She soon discovers a place within the house that is special and magical. Here she meets Hadrian. A beast like creature, and together, they embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and transformation.
Loved the Beauty and the Beast retelling vibes. I really enjoyed Landry and Hadrian's moments of vulnerability and how Hadrian really opened up his soul. They are both there to save and heal each other. But first, they must clear their heart and be open to new beginnings.
Thank you, Netgalley and Alcove Press, for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
June 11, 2025
Was so excited to read this, but ended up DNFing at 35%.
The start of this book was just a whole heap of backstory. Every time I thought the plot was about to move forward it would focus again on her ex or her mum. The characters were annoying and unlikable. The prose made it feel like a first draft. There were lots of strange metaphors, many of which didn’t make any sense. This book is marketed as a romance but even 35% in I couldn’t even see a hint of a romantic plot line. I really wanted to like this but just couldn’t bring myself to keep reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for this eArc to review.
The start of this book was just a whole heap of backstory. Every time I thought the plot was about to move forward it would focus again on her ex or her mum. The characters were annoying and unlikable. The prose made it feel like a first draft. There were lots of strange metaphors, many of which didn’t make any sense. This book is marketed as a romance but even 35% in I couldn’t even see a hint of a romantic plot line. I really wanted to like this but just couldn’t bring myself to keep reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for this eArc to review.
August 11, 2025
A Heart So Haunted is a lush, eerie gothic where grief collides with desire and the monster under the floorboards might just steal your heart. Hollie Nelson’s debut drips with atmosphere as a haunted house renovation unearths secrets, nightmares, and an unexpected romance between a wary woman and the creature she sets free. Perfect for fans of Ashley Poston and A House with Good Bones, this is a tender, terrifying love story wrapped in shadows.
December 27, 2025
At first I wasn’t into this book but I wanted to give it a chance, about 1/4 the way in I was hooked. It gives you some backstory but not enough in my opinion, a crazy love interest, a sort of beauty and the beast romance & a cliff hanger that makes me so excited for her next book, even though none is announced yet. I would definitely recommend
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